Luxury and serenity at an 18th century heritage getaway in Sikkim

I have always found Sikkim as one of my favourite destinations. Not only because of its unhindered natural beauty, but I also find the peace and solitude that I seek for away from our busy lives. Infact, staying at the homestays and the farmstays are a few of the perks of visiting Sikkim. I quite enjoy the warm hospitality of the people from the small, wonderful villages. No wonder, I keep on going back to Sikkim to explore its treasures and Sikkim never disappoints.

Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is one such place that had me fall in love with it instantly. Situated amidst pine and deodar trees in a pristine Himalayan hamlet, Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is just like a slice of heaven. The two hours long bumpy ride from Pelling, another hill station in Sikkim can be easily endured to reach Biksthang. The Kanchenjunga ranges, said to be the guardian deity of Sikkim can be seen from almost all the corners of Biksthang. The Farmhouse too is located in an islated location that is perfect for a quiet holiday.

Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse

If you love luxury stay in the lap of nature, then this place is ideal for you. The Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is located on the estate owned by the Sharkahlon family who had settled here during the 18th century. The spot was chosen by the family for its remoteness. The original house was built by Sharkahlon Tshering Thondup, a prominent minister in the 18th century and it still stands today. The present generation has converted their ancestral property into a beautiful heritage resort in the heart of nature and beauty.

The property

The name Biksthang has been derived from the Lepcha word ‘bikmon’ that means ‘the place where a tiger ate a cow’. All these names are linked with interesting Lepcha folklores. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes and surrounded by the lofty peaks, Biksthang offers a scenic environment and a pristine wilderness to all its visitors.

There are nine suites in the farmhouse spread across a total area of 50 acres. There are three categories of rooms with each having a unique view of the mountains, hills and the farm. The Heritage Suites are the most spacious and has traditional architecture. You will get the views of the Kanchenjunga ranges from both the heritage suites. Apart from the Heritage suites, there are three single unit suite cottages and two double unit suite rooms. All the rooms have their own unique architecture and beauty. There is a honeymoon suite too. It is a spacious cottage with a master bedroom, a living room, a kitchenette and a bathroom. The cottage is quite private and is set aloof from the rest in the middle of bamboo thickets and is approached by its own private path.

There is a beautiful dining hall with stone walls that was used as a detention room in the past. There is a lounge area called deck overlooking the pool where you can simply sit and relax while having a look at the Kanchenjunga ranges. The thatched roof and the traditional artifacts used to decorate the place give it a rustic ambience. There is a beautiful the infinity pool jutting over the lush forested mountainside and a bar strategically places beside the pool. On a clear day, you can see the reflection of the Kanchenjunga on the waters of the pool. There is also a hot stone bath or spa called “Menchu”. You can experience hot stone bath here.

Courtesy: Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse

Courtesy: Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse

Room Rates

The rate of the Heritage Suites ranges between INR 15000 to INR 24000. The Suites can range between INR 8000 to INR 15000.

Things to do in and around Biksthang

Relaxation

The Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is one of the best place to seek relaxation amidst a natural environment. When solitude is the only luxury that you can seek, then Biksthang is the ideal place with acres of lush greenery untouched by human habitation. You can simply sit at the deck or lounge area and surrender yourself to the nature. The age-old traditional Menchu Spa can also take your relaxation to another level.

Short treks and village walks

There are a number of short treks in and around the village. You can walk around the farm or visit Mangalbarey, the nearby village. For the more adventurous, you can hike upto the Lhuentse Gompa, the village monastery perched atop the hill above Mangalbarey. The hike will take almost two hours. You can also trek downhill from the farmhouse through the village of Chuchen to the intriguing and sacred Rahuney Cave where Guru Padmasambhava is known to have meditated in the 8th Century.

Birding

Sikkim is no doubt a bird watchers’ paradise and Biksthang is an ideal place for indulging in bird watching. Situated at an altitude of 4200 feet, the place is the home for a number of exotic Himalayan birds.

Visit Pelling and Rinchenpong

Instead of staying at the crowded Pelling, you can make Biksthang as your base and visit the nerby attractions of Pelling and Rinchenpong. Visit the Singshore Bridge, the Kanchenjungha Waterfalls near Pelling. Rinchenpong is also a beautiful place and is known for the Rinchenpong Monastery and the Poison Pokhri.

Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse

Best Time to visit

You can visit at any time of the year. October to march offers the best views of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

How to reach

Biksthang is about 2 hours drive from Pelling. With the new Pakyong airport at Sikkim, Pakyong is the nearest airport. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest Railhead. Pakyong Airport is about 90 km from Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse and will take around three and a half hours.

From NJP or Siliguri, the distance is approximately 110 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours.